Definition of constituentnext

constituent

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constituent distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of constituent are component, element, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

How are the words component and constituent related?

Both component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

When is it sensible to use element instead of constituent?

While the synonyms element and constituent are close in meaning, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

When is ingredient a more appropriate choice than constituent?

Although the words ingredient and constituent have much in common, ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of constituent
Noun
Many constituents will now be represented by the winner of the 7th District race. Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Many, like Donna Reagan, said the commissioners weren’t relying on their constituents’ opinions to decide how to vote. Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Is constituent data consistent across programs? Penta Rao Marapatla, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 The coalition opposing the bill, which includes firms with a financial stake in the outcome, has published constituent letters making the human case against reform. Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for constituent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constituent
Noun
  • The outlets reportedly viewed an internal email that had been sent to National Park Service staff in late December, revealing that staff members had been instructed to ask visitors to take any stickers off their card or it could be considered void.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The crash killed Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams, all seniors at Pepperdine University in Malibu and members of the Alpha Phi sorority.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In a renowned 2006 review published in Educational Research Review, researchers traced how working memory evolved from a simple storage system into a more dynamic, multi-component process.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
  • Much of Lofton’s research looks at developing a multi-level, multi-component food system intervention to address food insecurity inequities amongst Black American residents living in predominantly Black communities.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Few brands have made ingredient lists feel as approachable as The Ordinary.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Supplementation to their diet is limited to no more than 25% of dry matter and permitted feed ingredients include hay, wheat, barley, oats and maize from the same region.
    Vivian Song, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Later, the Moon opposes powerful Pluto in Aquarius, creating tension between individual desires and what a group expects.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The significance of the programme extends beyond the construction of individual submarines.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The third-year wide receiver brings such a different element to the New York offense.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Both pairs were wise choices for the colder Telluride weather, keeping both parties’ feet warm and dry, protected from the elements.
    Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Running back Jordan Marshall had just 44 yards on 11 carries, and five-star freshman Savion Hiter wasn’t a factor.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • According to the brand, this treatment was designed to address hereditary factors, hormonal fluctuations, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.
    Carly Cardellino Vaccaro, InStyle, 5 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constituent. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster